MP3 Cost

How Much Does an MP3 Cost?

Through iTunes[1] , the most widely used downloading service, songs cost 99 cents each. For the same price, iTunes also now offers some iTunes Plus songs with higher-quality encoding and free of digital-right management (DRM), so they can be played on an unlimited number of computers and freely burned to CDs. This service now includes about one million new tracks from indie labels.

Amazon[2] recently launched an MP3 marketplace that sells songs compatible with all players for 89 cents to 99 cents each. The songs are DRM-free, so they can be played on an unlimited number of computers and freely burned to CDs. However, their selection is not as wide as iTunes'.

Slightly cheaper, but with less selection, Wal-Mart.com offers downloads for 94 cents for songs that will play on iTunes and Zune players; or, for 88 cents for songs that will only play on only select players.

eMusic.com[4] , offers 30 downloads a month for $10. All songs are DRM-free. The downside is that the site offers songs only from independent record labels, so its selection skews toward indie rock, jazz and classical music.

If the song is protected by digital rights management (DRM) technology it can be listened to on a limited number of other computers and burned onto 5-7 CDs.

DRM-protected iTunes songs are compatible only with the iPod; DRM-free iTunes songs can be played only on iPods and other players that can handle .aac files, such as Microsoft's Zune. Zune Marketplace songs are compatible only with Zune players. Songs from eMusic.com will play on just about any MP3 player.

Additional costs:

You will need jukebox software in order to store and play the songs on your computer. Apple[5] offers iTunes jukebox software for free.

10 Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures Before the HolidaysWith reunions and other get-togethers scheduled during the holiday season, most people want to look their best at this time of year. For some, that means filling in those wrinkles with a bit of botox, or having a nip and tuck down here and there. || Posted November 23 2013

And the Best Bacon Is...This little piggy went to market.After that, Consumer Reports bought samples and tasted to determine which little piggy offered the best bacon.Top honors go to Costco, it turns out. || Posted October 5 2013

Some people may disagree with this, but while iTunes can be great for current stuff, I am taking music lessons and sometimes I am interested in hearing professional and amateur versions of older songs, which could include classical music, art songs, or even different covers of current songs. I discovered YouTube actually has a better selection of these kinds of less-mainstream music, although often the artists are amateur or semi-professional. But there are also a lot of pirated historical copies, like performances Ike and Tina Turner might have given on a TV show decades ago, and you can't get that -- with all the dancing and energy -- on someplace like iTunes.

I use iTunes a lot. I've now bought two iPods, which are great devices when they're working (the first one only lasted about a year and a half). It's incredible convenient to buy songs from iTunes, track my songs in iTunes, and play them on an iPod, though I worry that if I ever switch away from Apple, I may lose my songs.

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Nail + tips dipPaid: 70.00I wanted short nails, pretty, but stronger than mine. I had no clue what I was getting into... [more]

Quote for dental cleaning and possible extractionsPaid: 0.00The quote did not include the bloodwork and office visit prior to scheduled cleaning... (370.00) I am getting a second opinion...this price is outrageous! The cat is bright eyed and bushy tailed....eating and drinking..... [more]

Well Child Visit - 6 MonthPaid: 647.00Well child visit and 6 shots. I am trying to see what insurance did cover and am not happy how high this bill is just because of the shots. $155 just for the visit alone... [more]

Public School After School ProgramPaid: 507.00Our public school's after school program is $507 a month (or $5,070 a year). I thought it was a little pricey because it's for about 3 hours a day and sometimes I pick up my child early... [more]